Should First Time DUI Offenders Be "Locked Out"?

The National Transportation Safety Board(NTSB) believes that it's crucial for everyone convicted of a DUI to have ignition interlock devices installed into their car - even for a first offense. They say that "such a policy could be a major factor in preventing traffic collision deaths, especially those occurring in accidents caused by a wrong-way driver" seeing as 60% of wrong way driver accidents are caused by drunk drivers.

Drunk Driving Accident

Others are saying that it's too much to make the interlock devices mandatory for all first time offenders, though currently 17 states require interlocks for first-time offenders. The alcoholic beverage industry opposes a blanket requirement for first-time offenders, but it supports restrictions for people who have registered exceptionally high blood-alcohol levels.

Both the Distilled Spirits Council and the American Beverage Institute, which represents restaurant chains, support ignition interlocks for first-time convictions of people who posted a blood-alcohol content of .15 or higher.

“The first step to address the number one killer on our roadways is to do what is proven to be effective -- use interlocks for all DWI offenders,” said Deborah Hersman, chairman of the NTSB.

"We believe that judges should be able to distinguish between someone who is one sip over the limit and someone has had nine drinks prior to driving. There should not be a one-size-fits-all penalty for DUI offenders," said Sarah Longwell, managing director of the American Beverage Institute.

Though with drunk driving fatalities actually on the decline is it important for all first time offenders to have such a device? Some say that it's just too expensive and many states that have strict laws don't enforce them because of the cost.


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